One student in this entry has asked in 2012 that his identity be hidden for Internet security reasons. We are using his initials instead. This afternoon we headed to Dulles International Airport to greet three young Frenchmen (and their luggage) and bring them back to the Capital Region for a three-week homestay with area host families.
E.A., Antoine Bardonnet, and Vincent Rolea were among a group of students from all over France who arrived at Dulles. Their plane was late, the result of unsettled weather in the region. They circled for awhile, then landed safely and proceeded through customs.
As the students and their chaperon entered the waiting area, they were greeted with shouts of welcome and hand-made signs, all thanks to their host families.
It was easy to spot the three Capital Region guys, as they are among the oldest and tallest in the group. We gathered, then checked out with Louise Lamy, the general coordinator for the Washington area, and trekked out to the parking lot to find our van. After the luggage was loaded, it was en route for Pennsylvania for us.Because of the weather delay and the long lines in customs, our trip home (with little traffic) landed us in Hummelstown around midnight at the home of one of the host families. The others soon arrived, and the guys were divided up and whisked off for some much-needed sleep.
I was greatly impressed with the three, all of whom said thank you for the transportation and commiserated about the long wait we had endured at the airport. How refreshing to find such polite and caring young men! A good start to what promises to be a memorable LEC experience for everyone.
Sincere thanks go to the three host families, of Hummelstown, Hershey, and Susquehanna Township for their gracious welcome of the students.
Antoine
E. A.
Vincent
